Plastics and babies

Plasticizers have been under spotlight this week targeting phthalates in baby care products and bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles.

According to a report published in the journal Pediatrics, the use of baby lotions, shampoos and powders resulted in higher levels of phthalates in infants. Around 163 infant urine samples were analyzed in the study.

John Bailey, chief scientist at the Personal Care Products Council (formerly Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) said the report did not make sense as out of seven phthalate compounds found in the study, only diethyl pthalate (DEP) is sometimes used in very low levels in fragrances for baby care products.

Bailey added that DEP is already deemed safe to use in personal care products by independent scientists in the US and Europe.